Health industry spreads its cash

Sens. Bob Bennett and Orrin Hatch, R-Utah, and Rep. Jim Matheson, D-Utah, are all key players in the ongoing debate about health-care reform. Perhaps not by coincidence, all are attracting significant donations from the health-care industry.

Matheson received at least $109,500 from health-care political action committees this year through June 30. That is not much less than what Reps. Rob Bishop and Jason Chaffetz, R-Utah, managed to raise combined from all sources, and not just one industry.

Bennett pulled in at least $71,000 from that industry. In comparison, the five challengers who have jumped into the race for his Senate seat next year reported raising about $114,000 combined from all sources through June 30. Bennett raised about two-thirds of that amount from just one industry.

Hatch raised at least $53,100 from the health care industry, even though he does not face re-election next year. He would next faces it in 2012. Still, his donations from the one industry were about twice what Bishop raised from all sources this year, and he faces re-election next year.

While political scientists have long said such donations likely increase access by lobbyists to members of Congress, the three Utah members say the health care industry donations have had no sway on them.

"For me, it has no impact," Matheson said. "I keep my door open and try to meet with as many people as I possibly can, whoever they are. It's not relevant whether they represent a financial interest that has made a contribution or not."

Matheson added, "Part of how I try to learn about issues is I try to listen to people from all different perspectives, because that is the best way to get up to speed on what everyone is saying."

When Hatch was asked how much effect donations may have had on his decisions, he said, "None. I am concerned about protecting American families, not insurance companies that are in need of reform."

Tara Hendershott, press secretary for Bennett, did not directly address the same questions, but said, "Sen. Bennett supports reform that provides every American with affordable, quality choices while not increasing health care costs and our national debt."

All three Utah members have so far opposed the main Democratic Party health care reform proposals, but have had key roles in debate on them.